How To Fix “Original Item Can’t Be Found” On Mac (3 Ways)

author avatarTodor Pichurov Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

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Ever clicked on a file or folder on your Mac only to be greeted by the baffling “original item not found” error? What does this error mean, and why does it keep popping up?

This guide dives into the common scenarios where this error occurs, such as issues with external drives, system updates that disrupt file paths, or sync problems with cloud storage.

From identifying causes to step-by-step solutions, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot and fix the problem to get your Mac running smoothly again.

This Article Contains:

What does the error “original item can’t be found” mean?

When you encounter the error message “original item can’t be found” on a Mac, it typically suggests a problem with locating or accessing a file, folder, or linked drive that you’re trying to open through Finder.

This situation can occur if the item has been moved, deleted or is on a drive that is no longer connected.

It can also arise from syncing issues, especially if the item was part of a synchronized folder like iCloud’s Desktop and Documents folders and the sync process encountered problems.

Common scenarios where this error appears

This frustrating error can pop up in various common scenarios.

One typical situation is when you try to access files that are indexed in the Finder sidebar tab but are no longer where Finder expects them to be. This could be due to the files being moved or deleted without updating the sidebar’s links.

Another frequent scenario involves external drives.

If you’ve previously accessed files from an external drive and disconnected the drive without removing the sidebar shortcuts, attempting to access those shortcuts will lead to the error.

Lastly, if you use cloud services to synchronize folders like Desktop and Documents, interruptions or errors in the syncing process might lead to temporary unavailability of the items, which can trigger the error.

Whether it’s due to internal software glitches, problematic syncs with cloud services, or simple file misplacement, the root of the issue is generally tied to Finder’s inability to track down the referenced original item.

Top causes of the “original item can’t be found” error

Encountering the “original item can’t be found” error on your Mac can be frustrating. This error typically indicates a problem with accessing files or directories that the system expects to be available but cannot locate.

Several factors can trigger this issue. It might be due to outdated or corrupted system settings, issues with disk permissions, or problems related to the synchronization of files with the iCloud account and iCloud drive.

This issue is often seen after system upgrades, where the files or shortcuts become mislinked or are no longer situated in expected paths. Understanding these triggers is crucial to finding the right solution.

Could it be an operating system update issue?

One common cause of the “original item can’t be found” error could be a recent macOS update. Updates are supposed to improve your system’s performance and security, but sometimes they can inadvertently disrupt file paths or settings.

If you started seeing this error after an update, your system might have reset or altered the path to certain files or folders, which now appear missing to the system.

To troubleshoot, you might want to check for any further updates that may contain bug fixes or revert to a previous system state using Time Machine if the problem persists and you get the same error message.

Step-by-step guide to fix the “original item can’t be found” error

If you’re facing this error on your Mac, it could be due to a variety of reasons like system misconfigurations or corrupted files.

Here is an organized approach to resolve and possibly reclaim the functionality of your system.

Step 1: Check your filesystem for errors

Firstly, verifying and repairing disk errors can be crucial in resolving the error. Your Mac comes with a built-in tool called Disk Utility that can help you in this process.

  1. Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon on your dock and select Applications followed by Utilities.
  2. Launch Disk Utility and select your main disk from the sidebar.
  3. Click on First Aid and then on Run to start the repair process. This will check for disk errors and resolve them.
run first aid in disk utility

Once completed, restart your Mac and see if the error persists.

Step 2: Reset Finder’s preferences using Terminal

Sometimes, resetting Finder’s preferences using Terminal commands can fix recurring issues like this.

  1. Open Terminal from your Utilities folder in Applications.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: defaults delete com.apple.finder
  3. Next, type killall Finder and press Return to restart Finder.

This resets all settings in Finder to their defaults and triggers relaunching Finder, potentially eliminating any errors caused by previous configurations.

Step 3: Repair malware-related issues with SpyHunter

For cases where malware or unwanted programs have modified or hidden necessary files, using SpyHunter can help.

SpyHunter is a powerful tool that identifies and removes malware threats. It can assist in restoring the functionality of your Mac by eliminating harmful software that might be causing the error.

  1. Download the app here and install it by following the on-screen instructions.
  2. After installation, open SpyHunter and perform a full system scan to detect any malicious entities.
  3. If threats are found, follow the prompts given by SpyHunter to handle them.
remove malware, trojans, and other threats with spyhunter
  1. Reboot your Mac if necessary to complete the removal process.
remove malware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs with spyhunter for mac

Regular scanning with SpyHunter can help keep your system safe from future malware intrusions and associated errors.

What if the problem persists?

Consider system restoration: When and how

If troubleshooting hasn’t fixed the issue, restoring your system might be the next step. Use Time Machine for a comprehensive restore if you have a backup available:

  1. Connect the drive containing your Time Machine backup to your Mac.
  2. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command + R keys during startup to enter macOS Recovery.
  3. Choose Restore From Time Machine Backup and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you haven’t set up Time Machine, consider reinstalling macOS which can refresh the system without erasing your personal data. You can start this process from macOS Recovery as well.

Contacting Apple support: Tips for a quick resolution

When reaching out to Apple Support, having key information ready can help speed up the process:

  • Prepare the serial number of your Mac, which can be found in About This Mac under the Apple Menu.
  • Document any error messages and the steps you’ve already attempted to resolve the issue.
  • If calling, try to do so during non-peak hours to avoid long wait times.

Apple also offers chat and email support, which might be more convenient depending on your situation. Visiting an Apple Store or an authorized service provider is advised if online troubleshooting fails.

Prevent future “original item can’t be found” errors

To avoid the frustrating “original item can’t be found” error on your Mac, you can take several proactive measures to keep your system running smoothly.

This not only helps in preventing this specific error but also enhances the overall performance of your Mac.

Maintain your Mac’s health with regular checks

Regular maintenance checks are crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your Mac. Just like any well-oiled machine, your computer needs periodic attention to ensure it operates at peak performance.

Here are some simple steps you can follow:

  • Regular software updates: Always keep your macOS and all installed applications up to date.
  • Clean up your disk: Use built-in tools like Disk Utility to clean up system files and remove unnecessary data that might be causing issues.
  • Monitor disk space: Ensure that your Mac has enough free disk space. A lack of storage space can lead to various operational issues, including the “original item can’t be found” error.
  • Schedule regular backups: Use Time Machine or any other backup software to regularly back up your data. This ensures that you can always restore your system to a working state in case an error persists.
  • Use diagnostic tools: Consider using tools like SpyHunter to regularly check for malware, spyware, or other vulnerabilities that could affect your Mac’s performance. You can download SpyHunter directly from its official website.

By following these practices, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering errors and ensure your Mac stays healthy and efficient.

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author avatar

Todor has over a decade of experience in creating content about cybersecurity. He specializes in making complex security topics understandable for all. As part of the SpyHunter team, Todor uses his expertise to educate users, empowering them to better understand and manage their digital environments securely and efficiently.

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